TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute all necessary agreements with the State of California to receive $83,250 in Workforce Investment Act funds to support the Disability Program Navigator Initiative, and to execute any subsequent needed amendments. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The Workforce Investment Network (Network) operates the Disability Program Navigator Initiative that provides targeted employment and career development assistance to disabled residents. Over the last few years, the Network has developed collaborative relationships with local organizations to form a service consortium that includes AbilityFirst, Goodwill, the State Department of Rehabilitation, the Disabled Resource Center, CSU Long Beach - Disabled Student Services, Long Beach City College - Disabled Student Programs and Services, the Social Security Administration, and the Long Beach Mental Health Center.
The target populations for this project are individuals who are deaf/hard of hearing, blind/low vision, or have developmental disabilities. Services are coordinated through the Career Transition Center in conjunction with the many project partners, with the goal of employment and career advancement opportunities that result in increased Iivable wage jobs with benefits. The Network had previously been awarded $141,000 for its project. The State is providing an additional $63,750 to augment career development service access through June 30, 2009.
Additionally, the State has agreed to provide the Network with $19,500 in funds to use for dedicated capacity building activities. As one of the twelve Workforce Investment Boards in the State to pilot new ways to serve jobseekers in need of skill development activities, the Network will use these funds for enhancement training in support of its career counselors, job developers, and onsite One-Stop Partners.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Gary J. Anderson on April 14, 2009, and by Budget and Performance Mana...
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